Sen. Joe Addabbo

Relates to decreasing the length of the suspension period applicable to certain individuals who lose their jobs due to a labor dispute, such as a strike, and who seek to obtain unemployment insurance benefits; decreases the suspension period from two consecutive weeks to one week; provides that the waiting period and suspension period shall be served concurrently.

Provides for the sealing of unfounded, exonerated, and pending claims made against law enforcement officers; requires such claims to be redacted from disciplinary records.

Relates to providing transportation for children with a disability; removes the requirement that a child attends the school the district is providing transportation to for the purpose of receiving services or programs similar to special educational programs recommended for such child by the local committee on special education.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies to cover outpatient treatment for problem gambling as part of substance use disorder services. It applies to all medical, major medical, or comprehensive insurance policies sold in New York. The law mandates that coverage for problem gambling cannot have stricter financial limits (like higher copays) or treatment restrictions than those applied to standard medical or surgical care. This ensures gambling treatment is covered on par with other medical services without additional barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3353) exempts sales and installation of geothermal heat pump systems from state sales tax for both residential and commercial properties. It directly affects homeowners and businesses installing ground-source heat pumps that use the ground or groundwater for heating, cooling, or hot water. The key provision removes tax on equipment sales and installation services, excluding recreational facilities or equipment used as storage media. This policy change applies to systems meeting specific technical definitions in the tax law, without altering local tax options for municipalities.

Relates to allowing for students in certain postsecondary education experience or transition programs to receive awards from the tuition assistance program.

Prohibits any cannabis related advertisements in establishments within a certain distance from schools; increases penalties for prohibited advertisement of tobacco and cannabis products; requires enforcement inspections.

Defines the term "construction projects" to mean the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or improvement of any school building where a district receives any apportionment for debt service or building aid and the school building is sited within the Long Island region; provides that each contract involving the award of a construction project shall require the use of a project labor agreement for all contractors and subcontractors on such project.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2609) authorizes district attorneys to automatically participate in certain eviction cases where a landlord sues to remove a tenant occupying premises illegally. It directly affects district attorneys, landlords initiating eviction proceedings, and tenants in cases involving illegal occupancy. The key provision adds a new rule to real property law, requiring landlords to notify the district attorney when filing such suits, who can then intervene by simply filing a notice with the court. This changes the process by giving DAs a formal role in these specific landlord-tenant disputes without needing court permission.

Provides for the employment of school nurses for the inspection of pupils attending certain public schools; relates to school districts and boards of cooperative educational services.